What’s a Lingcod and Why are They So Fun to Catch

You’ve probably heard about catching Lingcod a lot when fishing in Newport, whether in fishing charters or talking with locals. And for good reasons! Lingcod is a popular fish species around the area and is fun to catch, whether you’re a beginner or expert angler.

But for those new to fishing, you’re probably wondering: What’s a Lingcod, and why are they so fun to catch?

Learn all about this fish species, why it’s worth catching, and some tips and tricks to do so!

 

What is a Lingcod?

Lingcod is a marine fish native to North Pacific waters. You can find this fish along coastlines from Alaska to Mexico! This fish is an extremely popular game and food fish in the United States, which you can find in markets and fishmongers.

Interestingly enough, lingcod isn’t actually codfish. They are part of the greenling family, formally known as the Ophiodon Elongatus. They are a type of rockfish found at the bottom, with most Lingcod occupying rocky areas between 32 to 328 feet deep!

Mature lingcod can grow up to five feet long, featuring a muscular brown or blue, green body with brown and copper spots.

These fish stand out because of their distinctively large mouths with slightly pug-nosed faces, so they look rather funny looking! In fact, they are also called Buckethead because of their appearance.

Why It’s Fun Catching Lingcod

So, why is it fun to catch Lingcod?

Sports fishermen find it fun to catch Lingcod, a popular game fish because these fish tend to put up a fight. If you want to have a bit of adventure and catch a big fish without being too aggressive, Lingcod is the way to go.

Besides that, Lingcod is inshore fish suitable for beginners or those without much time to go offshore. Their unique and fierce appearance makes them a fun bottom fish to catch because you’ll feel like you caught a monster!

Another notable advantage to catching Lingcod is its flesh! Depending on the fishing regulations, you get to bring home a specific number of Lingcod and enjoy its delicious, meaty flesh.

Many people enjoy Lingcod’s sweet, mild flesh in so many ways. They are versatile and used in various cooking applications, whether on the grill, roasted, pan-fried, steamed, or fish and chips. There are also various health benefits Lingcod offers when you catch them fresh, as they are an excellent source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids.

That said, it’s essential to read up on Newport’s fishing rules and regulations on Lingcod, as some areas may have catch-and-release guidelines or bagging limits.

 

Tips and Tricks to Catch Lingcod

Now that you know what Lingcod is and why they are fun to catch, the next question is: how can you catch Lingcod.

Here are some tips and tricks to catch this fish species when in Newport.

The Technique

You can catch Lingcod on lured or live and dead bait. Lingcod would usually latch on smaller Rockfish hooked. If you don’t lift the Lingcod’s head out of the water, you may net or gaff them without hooking!

Lingcod would make the initial lunge strike, heading to the rocks once hooked. Fortunately, they aren’t too powerful for their size, but they can put up a fight, and you’ll need to add a bit more force. It would be best to pull hard initially, which keeps the fish from breaking you off.

One of the best techniques to use when catching this bottom fish is bait fishing, but make sure you drag your line and gear above the rocks when in craggy, rocky conditions.

 

Lingcod Lures

You can catch Lingcod on metal jigs, which don’t need much action. You can simply bounce your lures up and down near the bottom. We have heard many people experiencing success using shiny silver jigs, and you won’t require anything fancy.

Moreover, we recommend using jigs with stinger hooks on top of the lure instead of treble hooks at the bottom to lessen any chances of snagging.

Lingcod may eat a lot of plastic grub or swimbait, though these are tougher to keep at the bottom, especially in strong currents. However, you can use a heavy lead head, and these will still fit their large mouths!

Lingcod Baits

You can use live or dead bait to catch Lingcod, though we highly suggest using the former. You can use large live mackerel, resulting in a bite within minutes. Anchovies, baby Rockfish, and frozen squid also work excellently.

 

Lingcod Tackle

We recommend using medium-weight conventional setups, particularly at least 30-lb braided lines, best suited for all bottom fishing species. This setup won’t stretch, so you have a more efficient hookset. It also lessens the risk of getting stuck on the rocks where the fish live.

Go for Inshore Fishing Charters

If you want more of a chance to catch Lingcod and other Newport fish species, you can also opt to join fishing charters. Inshore fishing charters have professional captains and crew members who will guide you to the hotspots where Lingcod lies. They can also teach you fishing techniques to catch Lingcod yourself!

We highly recommend going for fishing charters if you are visiting Newport or don’t have your boat. You’ll be able to ask all the questions and learn a lot about catching Lingcod and other fish species for your next trip.

 

Wrapping It Up

Lingcod is a fun fish to catch for beginner and expert anglers because of the fight it gives without it being too aggressive. Plus, they make tasty meat, so you can show off that your dinner was caught through your hard work.

If you’re planning to head to Newport for some fishing action, feel free to contact us now and learn about our services! We’ll gladly offer the best fishing charters for you to catch Lingcod around the area.